Declan Rice reaches 300 Premier League starts for Arsenal

Declan Rice made Premier League history on Saturday by starting Arsenal’s match against Brighton at the age of 27 years and 249 days.

The Arsenal midfielder was named in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up for the fixture, reaching 300 starts in the competition and strengthening his position among the Premier League’s most established players.

According to Opta, Rice is the third-youngest player to make 300 Premier League starts. Only Gareth Barry and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard achieved the milestone at a younger age.

“Aged 27 years and 249 days, Declan Rice is the third-youngest player to start 300 Premier League games after Gareth Barry (26y 323d) and Frank Lampard (27y 209d),” Opta said.

Barry reached 300 starts when he was 26 years and 323 days old, while Lampard achieved the same feat at 27 years and 209 days.

Rice’s milestone came as Arsenal, on 12 points, hosted Brighton, who had seven points, in the fifth round of the 2026-27 Premier League season.